Levant to Arabia Libation

Fionna Gemzon

The Hejaz Railway at cocktail lounge None of the Above takes its name from a famous 20th- century railway connecting Damascus and Medina. The layered drink is a nod to this historical reference in both components and sensibility. “It’s driven by unexpected ingredients, but guests are always pleasantly surprised by how approachable it is,” says Fionna Gemzon, bar manager. “It’s great to find a drink that pushes boundaries without polarizing guests.”

This savory, herbaceous take on a sidecar balances richness with brightness. Tahini is used to fat-wash Armagnac, rounding out the edges of the spirit and producing a silky texture. Marjoram brings earthy depth. The mixture is shaken and left to fully infuse for a few days before straining. To build the cocktail, the infused Armagnac is given a touch of Suze, honey and fresh lemon juice to balance its bitterness and lift the profile. Fee Foam provides a fluffy texture, while a line of za’atar across the top evokes the railway cutting through the desert.

“The drink didn’t fully come together until we leaned more into the herbaceous elements,” recounts Gemzon. “Once we shifted in that direction, the cocktail found its identity.”

Read more Best of Flavor 2026